“It is not right that we should be made to suffer because of bankers and a Government that does not care.”

School teacher Iain Thompson, from Washington, said: “I know there is a recession on, but I don’t think we can work after 60.

“Mental health can be a risk. It is a demanding job. I am a performing arts teacher and I will be too old to work if we are forced to carry on into our 60s.”

Downing Street said there had been minimal impact on the public from the national strike and walkouts were condemned by the Labour leader Ed Miliband.

In a statement, the Department for Work and Pensions said that most job centres across the UK had been open with staff working normally and that 98% of people claiming benefits would automatically receive payments.

Dispute will go on, vow teachers

TEACHERS in the North East have vowed to continue their fight for fair pensions, with the threat of more strikes in the autumn.

More than 1,000 teachers and lecturers took part in the mass demonstration in Newcastle yesterday, which brought traffic in the city centre to a standstill and affected more than 450 schools and colleges.

The rally at Grey’s Monument saw members from the National Union of Teachers (NUT), the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and University and College Union (UCU) come together to protest against proposed changes to their pension plans.

Among the crowd was Sheila Hunter, 54, a teacher and ATL member from Winlaton West Lane Primary School in Gateshead.

She said: "It seems unfair that the Government is giving millions to bail out other countries and paying for wars abroad while there are people in this country working hard but losing out."

Her colleague Sarah Reid, 26, an NUT member, said: "It’s come to this because of the Government.

"We work long hours and we’re emotionally invested in our work.

"Our long holidays are justified because of the out of hours work we have.

"People don’t realise how emotionally taxing teaching can be."

The proposed changes would mean teachers paying an average of £90 a month more and having to work until they are at least 68.

Chris Eblett, 58, an NUT member from Darras Hall First School, in Northumberland, said: "With teachers working until 68 there will be more sick pay.

"The Government has an ulterior motive to get teachers to take early retirement. We want the best teachers for our children."

Andy Wain, 42, a UCU member and lecturer at New College Durham, said: "I disagree with the wider perception that we get fantastic pensions, when really it’s just delayed pay.

"The Government do not spend our money wisely. If they don’t want a pension scheme then don’t have one; give my money back and I’ll invest it myself."

The NUT has said if negotiations with the Government do not move forward, they will look at organising another mass walk-out in the new school year.

Northumbria Police praised the good natured attitude of those taking part in yesterday’s protests. Chief Supt Graham Smith said: "They were all extremely good natured and friendly and there were no arrests or reports of trouble of any kind.

"There have also been no reports of problems at any of the picket lines in our area. I have nothing but praise for the good natured behaviour."